Journal article
Authors list: Barth, C; Hinz, KP; Spengler, B
Publication year: 2022
Pages: 7223-7241
Journal: Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
Volume number: 414
ISSN: 1618-2642
eISSN: 1618-2650
Open access status: Hybrid
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-022-04275-1
Publisher: Springer
Abstract:
Besides their influence on climate and cloud formation, many organic and inorganic substances in aerosol particles pose a risk to human health. Namely, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and heavy metals are suspected to be carcinogenic or acutely toxic. The detection and quantification of such compounds is difficult if only small amounts of particulate matter (PM) are available. In addition, filter samples are often complex and time-consuming to prepare for chromatographic measurements and elemental analysis. Here, we present a method based on high-resolution atmospheric pressure laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging (AP-LDI-MSI) and statistical analysis which allows the analysis and characterization of very small sample quantities (<30 mu g) without any sample preparation. The power and simplicity of the method is demonstrated by two filter samples from heavily polluted mega cities. The samples were collected in Tehran (Iran) and Hangzhou (China) in February 2018. In the course of the measurement, more than 3200 sum formulae were assigned, which allowed a statistical evaluation of colocalized substances within the particles on the filter samples. This resulted in a classification of the different particle types on the filters. Finally, both megacities could be distinguished based on characteristic compounds. In the samples from Tehran, the number of sulphur-containing organic compounds was up to 6 times as high as the samples from Hangzhou, possibly due to the increasing efforts of the Chinese government to reduce sulphur emissions in recent years. Additionally, quantification of 13 PAH species was carried out via standard addition. Especially, the samples from Tehran showed elevated concentrations of PAHs, which in the case of higher-molecular-weight species (> m/z 228) were mostly more than twice as high as in Hangzhou. Both cities showed high levels of heavy metals and potentially harmful organic compounds, although their share of total particulate matter was significantly higher in the samples from Tehran. The pretreatment of the samples was reduced to a minimum with this method, and only small amounts of particles were required to obtain a comprehensive picture for a specific filter sample. The described method provides faster and better control of air pollution in heavily polluted megacities.
Citation Styles
Harvard Citation style: Barth, C., Hinz, K. and Spengler, B. (2022) Particle characterization and quantification of organic and inorganic compounds from Chinese and Iranian aerosol filter samples using scanning laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry, Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 414, pp. 7223-7241. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-022-04275-1
APA Citation style: Barth, C., Hinz, K., & Spengler, B. (2022). Particle characterization and quantification of organic and inorganic compounds from Chinese and Iranian aerosol filter samples using scanning laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. 414, 7223-7241. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-022-04275-1
